Non isolated high gain DC-DC converter topologies for PV applications - A comprehensive review

To meet the ever increasing electrical energy demand, energy conversion from PV sources is gaining prominence. When used in conjunction with existing power system network, the energy extracted from the renewable energy sources can be utilized to electrify remote areas also. The advancements in DC-DC converter topologies and inverter control strategies have led to the wide emergence of grid tied PV systems. The efficiency at which power is fed to the grid hinges largely on the proper choice and performance of the DC-DC converter stage. Hence, there is a compelling need to thoroughly review the performance of existing DC-DC converter topologies. In this paper, a comprehensive review on the evolution and design aspects of High Gain High Power (HGHP) DC-DC converters employable for solar PV fed system is presented. A simple and generalized strategy to derive high gain high power DC-DC converters has been developed and presented. The salient features of five novel converter topologies that have been derived by using the proposed strategy are elaborated to illustrate the validity of the adopted synthesis methodology. The salient features and the feasibility of connecting the derived topologies to the DC grid/micro grid are highlighted. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.